nemed mbled

(sanctuary * of whales)

the sanctuary of the whales = the sea

This kenning is found in the exquisite 7th century poem “Fo réir Choluimb” by Bécán mac Luigdech, in the line “cechaing noïb nemed mbled” (he crossed in ships the sanctuary of the whales).

Compare “adba rón”, another kenning for the sea, in this collection.

Topics: Similes, Metaphors & Kennings